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Five-Run Eighth Inning Propels Brewers Over Dodgers

8/16/2014 1:30:00 AM

By Nate Alberts

The Milwaukee Brewers (68-55) were down 2-0 entering the eighth inning then erupted for five runs to take the lead and hold on for the game one win over the Los Angeles Dodgers (70-54) 6-3 at Chavez Ravine.

In that eighth inning, Jonathan Lucroy led off with a line drive out then the Brewers would record four straight base hits.

- Ryan Braun infield single

- Aramis Ramirez singles to left

- Scooter Gennett singles to right scoring Braun (2-1 LAD)

- Khris Davis Doubles to right center scoring Ramirez (2-2 tie)

After an intentional walk to Mark Reynolds to load the bases, Rickie Weeks would strikeout for out number two. Manager Ron Roenicke would then go to his bench and call on Lyle Overbay. Overbay on the first pitch would hit a bases clearing double down the left field line to score Ramirez, Gennett and Reynolds giving the Brewers the lead 5-2. “It was huge, he came in and picked up Rickie,” Roenicke said. “Everyone in that inning had great at bats.”

The lack of playing time for Overbay hasn’t fazed him with the rise in play by Reynolds. Since the All-Star break and entering Friday Overbay had only batted 27 times

Gennett would score Lucroy on a single in the ninth inning to add an insurance run making the final outcome 6-3.

Lucroy, Ramirez and Gennett each finished with two hits. As a team the Brewers finished with nine total hits with 6-of-9 going to opposite field.

With the late rally, it took Jimmy Nelson off the hook for a loss. Nelson picked up another quality start going 6 innings allowing two runs one walk and finished with four strikeouts. “I liked his command and fastball was done, It was by far one of his better outings,” Roenicke said about his starter.

After Nelson left, Brandon Kintzler pitched a scoreless seventh then Will Smith gave up one run in the eighth and Francisco Rodriguez went a one-two-three ninth for his Major League leading 37th save. The save by Rodriguez ties him with Rollie Fingers for 11th all-time on the saves list.

Dodgers’ starter Zack Greinke would get credited for a no-decision after the Brewers took the lead. Brewer batters showed great patience at the plate making Greinke get a high pitch count early and leave after five innings. The stat that jumped out most was the walks given up. Greinke gave up five two-out walks and the most in any start this season. On the season, against his former team, Greinke is 0-1 in two starts.

With the win, Milwaukee is now (58-2) when leading after the eighth inning and the Dodgers are (0-42) when trailing after eight innings.

With a loss by the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Brewers lead in the NL-Central is 3 ½ games. The Cardinals have now lead frogged the Pirates for second place with a win Friday.

Game two of the series Saturday will be a pair of aces. Clayton Kershaw (14-2, 1.78 ERA), who pitched in the finale at Miller Park last weekend, will start against Yovani Gallardo (7-6, 3.44 ERA). First pitch is at 8:05 PM.